Ditch harmful chemicals,farmers told

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR’S Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock, Mr Suleiman Masoud Makame, has called on farmers, young people and private-sector stakeholders to embrace organic farming, saying it offers a modern business opportunity capable of creating jobs, raising incomes and protecting the environment.

“Organic agriculture is no longer just a traditional farming practice. It is a modern business opportunity that can create employment, especially for young people, while ensuring safe food and protecting our environment,” Mr Makame said.

He made the call during a press conference in Shakani ahead of the Organic Agriculture Exhibition, the minister said the government had invested in the sector to increase production, improve farmers’ earnings and expand access to safe, high-quality food.

Mr Makame said the ministry would continue strengthening agricultural infrastructure, organic farming services and partnerships with the private sector and tourism industry to expand domestic markets and make organic agriculture a key pillar of food security in Zanzibar.

“We will continue strengthening agricultural infrastructure and working with the private sector and the tourism industry to expand markets for organic products,” he said.

Mr Makame said growing consumer demand for naturally produced food with minimal use of harmful chemicals had created an opportunity for Zanzibar to expand organic farming while protecting the environment, responding to climate change and accessing international and tourism markets.

He warned that excessive use of harmful chemicals could reduce soil fertility, contaminate water sources and pose risks to public health.

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“If we continue relying on harmful chemicals, we risk reducing soil fertility, contaminating water sources and affecting people’s health,” he said.

The minister urged farmers to adopt organic farming practices, including the use of safe pesticides and natural fertilisers, to improve production while safeguarding human health and the environment.

He also called on private-sector investors and other stakeholders to invest across the organic agriculture value chain, including production, processing, marketing and distribution, so farmers could benefit from the growing demand for organic products.

“I urge the private sector to invest in production, processing, marketing and distribution so that farmers can benefit from the growing demand for organic products,” he said.

Mr Makame said the government would continue working with stakeholders to create a favourable environment for the sector to grow and contribute to food security and economic development.

He announced that the Organic Agriculture Exhibition will take place from September 21 to 27 under the theme “Think Globally, Eat Naturally.” The exhibition is expected to bring together farmers, businesses, consumers and other stakeholders to showcase organic products, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for expanding the sector.

“I encourage farmers and young people to use this exhibition to learn modern organic farming practices and explore new markets for their products,” Mr Makame said.